Vibrator



Dec. 20, 1938. H. M. DRESSEL ET AL 2,140,792

v VIBRATORy Original Filed Deo. 24, 1934 f/z Way/07:2 @gigi We@ ai mmPatented Dec. 20, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Arlington Heights,and Edward J. Mastney, I Berwyn, lll., assignors to Oak ManufacturingCompany, Chicago, Ill.,

linois a corporation` of Il- Orlginal application December 24, 1934,Serial No.

758.924. Divided and this application September 27, 1937, Serial No.165,862. Renewed ctober 12, 1938 1s claims. (cl. zon- 90) This inventionrelates to vibrators and more particularly to vibrators for use inconnection with automobile radios and the like. In vibrators of thistype, it is customary to provide a reed rigidly clamped at one end withan armature at the free end. This reed is adapted to be vibrated backand forth at high speed to make and break the power supply circuitconnections to a step-up transformer. In vibrators of this type, thehigh speed of the reed generates a high frequency noise, which isparticularly penetrating and objectionable.

An object of this invention is to devise a mounting for such a vibrator,which will be simple, cheap and will permit of eillcient operation ofthe vibrator without transmission of the noise to the outside. f

Referring to the drawing, Figure 1 shows a sectional elevation of avibrator, embodying the present invention. Figure 2 shows a view of thesame vibrator in partially disassembled condi- -tion and at right anglesto Figure 1. Figure 3 is a view partly in section similar to Figure 2,except that the vibrator is in assembled position.

Referring to the drawing, the vibrator comprises a generally U-shapedframe I, of magnetic material, such as iron. Frame I has 'a bightportion 2, in the vcenter of which is mounted a pole piece 3. This pieceis preferably narrower than frame I, as shown in Figure 2, and extendsdownwardly toward the` open arms of frame I. Pole piece 3 has a tip 4,which is loiiset from the body of the pole piece, so that tip 4 iseccentric with respect to the two arms of frame I. Pole piece 3 may befastened in bight portion 2 in any manner, such as by projecting throughan aperture in bight portion and spreading the metal on the outside.

Disposed around pole piece 3 is a spool 5, preferably containing twowindings and connected in a manner to belaterdescribed. Frame I iscomposed of two arms I0 and II, connected by bight portion 2. Arms IIIand Il preferably have their ends I2 and I3 bent toward each other atregions I4 and I5. Between ends I2 and I3 is clamped the entire vibratorsystem.

` This comprises a reed generally designed as 20 and to be described infurther detail later. Said reed carries a movable .driving contact 2|,adapted to cooperate with a fixed driving contact 22, adiustably mountedon threaded portion 23 in arm II of the frame. Contact 22 may beadjusted to any desired position and locked therein by means of a nut25. In addition, reed 2|I carries a pair of movable contacts 26 and 2l,

adapted to cooperate with fixed contacts 28 and 29.

Reed 20 is maintained in position by having its end 30 rigidly clampedbetween a series of metal spacer plates 3| and 32. Next to these plates3| and 32 are disposed insulating separators 34, 35, 36 and 3l,preferably of mica. Between each adjacent pair of insulators there isdisposed supporting arms 40 and 4I, carrying stationary contacts -28 and29. These arms are spring-like and have a natural frequencysubstantially higher than the natural frequency of reed 20. Beyond theinsulators are additional metallic spacer plates 42 and 43, adapted tosnugly illl up the space between ends I2 and I3 of frame I.

This entire assembly is maintained intact by means of a pair of bolts 45and 46. Every one of the spacers and insulators between ends I2 and I3are provided with suitable apertures, through which these bolts may bethreaded. As shown in Figure l, these apertures are sufficiently greaterin diameter than the bolts, so that a suitable insulating region may beformed, which may be occupied by an insulating sleeve. Bolts 45 and 46are provided with nuts 4l, which maintain the entire' assembly rigid.

Referring to reed 2li,l the drawing shows the spring suitably punchedout. Spring 20 has its bottom portion provided with the apertures 50 andl, previously generally described for the reception of bolts 45 and 46.Above bottom portion 30, which is adapted to be rigidly clamped, is aprimary pivotal portion 52. This portion preferably has a smallrectangular region 53 punched out. Thisregion 53 is symmetricallylocated with respect to the sides of the spring and has its longdimension transverse to the spring. Above region 52 is a region 55carrying a pair of rivets 56 and 5l. These rivets are preferably in linewith each other on a horizontal axis, and are spaced sufficiently Wideapart so that each rivet goes through an outer part of the spring. Aboveregion 55 is a region 60, having a long centrally disposed cutout 8|.The cutout has preferably the same width as portion 53 and is located inline therewith. Cut-v out 6I has its greatest length along the length.of reed 20, and has a small'spring 62 therein.

This spring is integral with main spring 20 and has an enlarged roundedhead63, carrying driving contact 2|.

,The free end 65 of spring 20 is adapted to carryan armature 66, rivetedthereto at 67 and 88. It will be noted that rivets 61 and 88 arepreferably co-linear with 56 and 51.

Rivets 56 and 51 are adapted to support on each side of spring 2li rigidarms 10 and 1|. These arms are preferably bent so as to are outwardlyand comprise a broad mounting region 13, of the same width as spring 20,and a narrow contact supporting portion. These arms, 18 and 1|, supportmovable contacts 26 and 21. Between arms 18 and 1| is supported a rigidarm 14 abutting against spring B2. In the normal position of reed 20,contacts 2| and 22 are tightly closed. To prevent spring S2 frommaintaining the contacts in closed position as reed 28 moves away,abutment 14 moving with the main body of reed 28 carries'spring 62 withit to open the driving contacts. Hence, in spite of any bias of spring62 tending to keep the driving contacts closed,

even after reed 20 has started to move away, member 14 immediately opensthese contacts.

As is evident from Figure' 1, the entire reed assembly is so supportedthat in its position of rest, driving contacts 2| and 22 are closed andarmature 66 is to one side of pole tip 4. In operation, the interactionbetween pole tip 4 and armature 56 suffices to cause the reed tovibrate. This vibration results in a fiexure at region 52 openingdriving contact 2|. By virtue of inertia and the impact with cooperatingcontact 22, there is also a flexure of spring 82, relative to spring 28.In addition, there is considerable fiexure at region B0.

Supporting arms 40 and 4| are preferably resilient enough so that whenany one pair of contacts are together they remain so while reed 28 istraveling toward the center position. When' the center position has beenattained, the contacts separate. Arms 40 and 4| are stiff enough so thattheir natural frequency is substantially higher than that of reed 28.Hence, even though one of these arms is moving towards its extremeposition, nevertheless, the contact separation is quick and sharp.

The various contact carrying members are provided with soldering lugs15, to which may be soldered suitable wires. through small exible rubbertubes 11, of a resilient mounting 18. This mounting comprises a soitrubber member, having a rectangular cupshaped portion 80, adapted toenclose the bottom of the vibrator unit. The bottom of cup-shapedportion 88 has formed thereon a flange 8|, having a projecting rim 82,surrounding tubes 11. The wires threaded through tubes 11 are preferablysoldered to the prongs 85, rigidly mounted in a disc 86 of hardinsulating material. 'Ihis disc has a circular configuration ofapproximately the dimensions of rim 82 with the exception of aprojection 83. Above this projection is a sol,- dering lug 84 riveted toone of the prongs 85 and, in practice, connected to the ground wire. Asshown in Figure 9, when the vibrator is put into can 81, insulating disc86 is cocked to permit lug 84 and projection 83 to project through anaperture in can 81.

A metal can 81 is provided at its open end with a circular constriction88, and thereafter with an annular region 89, terminating in a lip 88.As is evident in Figure l, portion 82 is adapted to be jammed underconstriction 88 to jam the rubber in place and the entire assembly ismaintained by means of a spring ring 9|. Projection 88 vand lug 84passing through an aperture in can 81 lock the vibrator against turningrelatively to can 81.

These wires are threaded Lug 84 is bent up against can 81 and solderedthereto to ground can 81.

As shown in Figures 1 and 9, when the vibrator is in position inside ofcan 81, and above insulating base 86, the rubber tubes 11 are distortedfrom their natural Straight position into a bent position. By virtue ofthe compressing of the rubber tubes and the outer flange 82, the entireassembly is maintained intact in a flexible but firm manner.

To prevent excessive displacement of the top end of the vibratorstructure, there is preferably disposed a soft rubber cap |08, over thetop of the vibrator assembly. This cap has a downwardly extending iiangeIDI, which is adapted to lie along the top portion of the vibratorstructure and two wing portions |02 and |03 extending from oppositesides, and perpendicular to the line of motion of the reed, adapted toclear the inside of can 81. This entire rubber assembly has arectangular cross-section, as Shown in Figure 3, for snugly fitting overthe top end of the vibrator and while permitting a certain degree ofmotion, nevertheless tend to dampen the vibration` of the structure andprevent contact with the metal can.

'This is particularly true with the cap position as shown.

This is a division of our application, Serial No. 758,924, AfiledDecember 24, 1934.

Having described this invention, claimed is:

1. A vibratable device comprising an elongated magnetizable memberhaving a pole piece. a reed rigidly supported by vsaid member at one endthereof, the free end of said reed carrying an armature and beingdisposed adjacent said pole piece, a magnetizing coil carried by saidmember and reed and connected to said coil to energize the vibrator, ameans for supporting said vibrator structure comprising a soft rubbercup, into which an end of said vibrator structure rests. said rubber caphaving a protruding annular flange extending therefrom, and means forrigidly clamping the peripheral portion of said ange.

2. The structure of claim l, wherein said flange clamping means includesthe rim of a cup member, adapted to enclose said vibrating structure.

3. The structure of claim 1, wherein said rubber member has exteriorlyprojecting tubular members, through which the leads for said vibratorare threaded and insulated from each other, when said vibrator isnormally positioned.

4. The structure of claim 1, wherein a metallic cup-shaped memberencloses said entire vibrating structure with the rim thereof inclamping relation to the flange of said rubber, and wherein a softrubber cap is disposed over what is the free end of said vibratorstructure.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination of a circularbase carrying a plurality of contact prongs, a vibrating circuit makingand breaking device mounted on said base, a cylindrical metalliccup-shaped can adapted to cover said vibrating device and having itsopen end closed 1by said base, said base having a peripheral projection,a metallic member connected to one of said prongs disposed adjacent saidprojection, said can being apertured near the edge thereof for thereception oi said projection and metallic member, whereby when saiddevice is assembled, 'said projection mechanically lock: said can tosaid base and said metallic member being connected to said can forgrounding thi same.

arcor/as 6. A vibrating device, comprising an elongated frame, a reedrigidly clamped at one end of the frame and extending toward the otherend of the frame, means for vibrating said reed transversely to saidframe and means for supporting said 'vibrator at one end, saidsupporting means comprising a sponge rubber cup enclosingan end of saidvibrator, said cup having a protuding annular flange extending therefromand means for rigidly clamping said flange.

' '1. A vibrator, comprising` an elongated base, a reed rigidly clampedat one end thereof and extending toward the other end thereof, means forvibrating said reed transversely to said base, means for supporting saidvibrator at the end of said base nearest the fixed end of the reed, saidmeans comprising a sponge rubber cup snugly fitting over said vibratorbase, said cup having an outwardly extending flange, and means forrigidly clamping said ange to support said entire structure.

8. The structure of claim 7, wherein a can is provided for covering saidvibrator, the open end of said can being disposed at the flange andforming a part of the clamping means.

9. The structure of claim 7, wherein a can is provided for covering saidvibrator with the open end oi said can forming a part of the clampingmeansv at said flange and wherein a sponge rubber cap is provided forthe free end of said vibrator base near the closed end of said can.

10. A vibrator, comprising an elongated base, a reed rigidly clamped 'atone end thereof and extending toward the other end thereof, means forvibrating said reed transversely to said base, means' for supportingsaid vibrator on an insulating disc, said disc having a plurality ofcontact making prongs, connections between said vibrator and saidContact making prongs, a metal can for enclosing said entire vibratorand having an opening corresponding to said insulating disc, said metalcanhaving a -slot through'the material near the open end thereof, saidinsulating disc forming a cover for said can and provided with a smalltongue adapted to fit into said slot for locking the two together.

1l. A vibrator, comprising an elongated base supporting a reed at oneend thereof, said reed having a free end extending toward the other endof said base and adapted to vibrate, a sponge rubber cup enclosing oneend of said base for supporting the same, a rigid insulating disc belowsaid sponge cup, said disc having a plurality of contact making prongs,connections from said vibrator to said prongs, a can for en closing thevibrator, said can having an open end adapted to be closed by said disc,said can having means around the edge thereof for supporting saidinsulating disc against excessive movement with-` in the can, said canhaving an aperture near the edge thereof and said disc being providedwith a tongue adapted to be threaded through said aperture whereby theentire construction is locked after said disc is inserted into pla e.

12. The structure of claim 11 whereir/ means are provided formaintaining said disc down against said can opening.

13. The structure of claim 11 wherein said connecting wires are threadedthrough said sponge rubber.

14. A vibrator including an elongated frame,

,means for supporting said frame on one end thereof. said meanscomprising a sponge rubber base shaped to provide a compartment intowhich the frame end is disposed, leads for said vibrator threadedthrough said rubber base and depending from the bottom thereof, a disccarrying a plurality of connectors, said leads going to the discconnectors and a metal member encircling said disc and extendingupwardly therefrom surrounding and contacting said rubber base forSUDDGIHE the Same.

15. A vibrator including an elongated frame, means for supporting saidframe on one end thereof, said means comprising a sponge rubber baseshaped to provide a compartment into which.

the. frame end is disposed, said rubber base having another compartmentin back to back relation with said first compartment, leads for saidvibrator threaded through the intervening wall between saidcompartments, and means for supporting said rubber base around aperipheral surface thereof.

16. The structure of claim 15 wherein a rigid insulating disc isdisposed as a cover for the bottom compartment, said `insulating disccarrying a plurality of connectors with said leads connected thereto andmeans for retaining said disc against said rubber.

V17. A vibrator including an elongated frame, means for supporting saidframe on one end thereof, said means comprising a sponge rubber baseshaped to provide a compartment into which the frame end is disposed,lea'ds for said vibrator threaded through said rubber base and dependingfrom the bottom thereof, a rigid insulating disc disposed against saidrubber base bottom, said disc carrying a plurality of connectors withsaid leads connected thereto, a rigid cup enclosing said vibrator, saidcup having one open end adapted to fit around saidrigid disc and meansfor locking said disc to said cup.

18. The structure of claim 17 wherein said rubber base is supportedaround the peripheral surface thereof.

HENRY M. DRESSEL. KENNETH C. ALLISON. EDWARD J. MAS'INEY.

